Stand Head Assembly with Motor-Driven Rotation and Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engine stands are difficult to use, especially with heavier engines, as they require manual rotation and securing, which can be cumbersome and dangerous due to reliance on friction and locking bolts, and often lack efficient mechanisms for height adjustment and secure attachment.

Innovation Solution

A stand head assembly with a coupling system that includes a drive assembly with a drive dog for pivotal movement and a securing assembly with clamping members, along with a drive shaft and gearbox for easy engine rotation and secure attachment, and an upright assembly with height adjustment and locking features for improved safety and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual rotation and friction-based securing are used in conventional engine stands, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of engine rotationVSAvoidcomplexity of rotation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual friction-based rotation with a motor-driven mechanical system. The motor (220) connects through a transmission mechanism to the drive shaft (126), which rotates the coupling (12) and engine. This substitution eliminates manual effort while providing controlled, powered rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive shaft (126) acts as an intermediary component between the motor and the coupling. It transmits rotational force from the motor through the transmission mechanism to rotate the coupling and supported engine, enabling indirect powered rotation rather than direct manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If locking bolts and friction are used to secure engines, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of engine securingVSAvoidcomplexity of securing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling (12) serves as an intermediary securing mechanism between the engine and the stand body. It provides a dedicated interface with multiple attachment points and a robust structural connection, replacing simple friction-based or single-bolt securing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing system is segmented into multiple independent components: the coupling (12) with its object face and support face, the drive shaft (126) with drive dogs (122), and the mounting plate (130). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while distributing the securing load across multiple points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If spigot alignment is required for engine attachment, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of engine attachmentVSAvoidprecision of spigot alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling (12) is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different engine types and mounting configurations. Its object face (16) provides multiple attachment points and a flexible interface that reduces the need for precise pre-alignment of specific spigots, making the attachment process more forgiving and easier to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If fixed height stand structures are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of stand heightVSAvoidcomplexity of height adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stand structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The upright assembly (140) with sliding upright member (146) and telescoping support members (100) allows vertical position adjustment. This dynamic structure adapts to different engine sizes and technician heights while maintaining structural integrity through locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10598309B2Stand Head Assembly

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 CUSTOM MADE ENG

AI summary

According to one aspect of the invention there is disclosed herein a stand head assembly (10). The stand head assembly (10) comprises a coupling (12) to facilitate coupling between an object to be supported and a stand body (14). The coupling (12) has an object face (16) adapted for operative attachment to the object to be supported, and an opposing support face (18) adapted for operative attachment to the stand body (16). The stand head assembly further comprises a drive assembly (20) which is operatively associated with the stand body (14) and adapted for attachment to the coupling (12). The drive assembly (20) includes a drive dog (22) which is operatively adapted to impart pivotal movement to the coupling. A securing assembly (24) is provided which is operatively adapted to secure the coupling to the drive assembly. The coupling (12) includes a drive slot (26) operatively associated with the drive dog (22) of the drive assembly. The drive slot is operatively adapted (i) to receive and hold the drive dog (22) and (ii) to provide a contact surface (28) to be acted upon by the drive dog (22) so as in use to impart pivotal movement to the coupling (12) and the object to which the coupling is mounted. In one embodiment the stand head assembly is incorporated in an engine stand.